A Tribute to Golda
It was a clear and bright sun shining morning in May.
As I came out my front door into the breezeway,
I saw coming toward me an enormous gray dog with eyes of pure gold,
The most exquisitely beautiful canine one could ever behold,
With a calm gentle presence and peaceful demeanor;
The look in his brilliant gold eyes assured I had nothing to fear.
It was love at first sight and I hoped he would stay.
Never mind the impediments; I’d find a way.
My toddler son climbed on him like they’d grown up together,
As I seriously pondered the prospect of whether…
Absolutely not, said my husband, a cat man,
And nixed the idea before it began.
Weeks later, a litter box and cat food mysteriously appeared
On the sidewalk, out of nowhere; we thought it quite weird.
With the next morning’s sunrise, we figured it out.
The same coat of gray and gold eyes left no doubt;
The same being who before as a dog had been spurned,
In a more acceptable form and presence had now returned.
Bounding out of the bushes with a commanding meow,
A little gray, gold-eyed kitten my husband had to allow.
In her life as a cat and formerly a dog,
She was my brave and wise Golda who would go on to log
More than one rescue of our subsequent pets.
In defending attack, this courageous gray, gold-eyed feline was as fierce as it gets.
Note: Golda saved the life of my Chow-Chow puppy when she was attacked by a big dog that
came at her from across the street. Golda came out of nowhere with claws out, sending the
dog scurrying with his tail between his legs. Another time she rescued our little Siamese
youngster, Meowli, from the neighbors' dogs by jumping on their head while Meowli ran for
cover. Golda stayed with me for 12 years, longer than the husband cited in the poem, and
then when her time and her work was done, she just disappeared pretty much as she had
appeared. She was a beautiful, long haired all gray Persian with brilliant gold eyes. When not
rescuing other animals, she had the same calm, gentle and peaceful demeanor as the dog who
showed up that morning and left when he knew he was not welcome to stay.
7th place winner in ~Somewhere A Pet Is Waiting Contest~ sponsored by ~A Rambling Poet~

Bob had been a lonely man ever since
His wife of fifty years had passed.
“Lord, let me join her.” he would pray.
“Let this day be my last.”
Each day, he went to the cemetery,
Just a short walk down the street.
After their talk, he would water her flowers
And hear passers-by whisper, “How sweet.”
One gray and misty morning,
He had hoped for sunnier skies
To plant fall bloomers at her graveside;
But, there, to his surprise…
Stood an old dog beside her stone;
Thin and dirty, but he struck a handsome pose.
He whined as Bob approached, as if to say,
“I could use a friend, you know.”
He sat calmly as Bob planted flowers,
Carefully sniffing each one Bob put in place.
Then, after the last one was planted,
He sniffed it; then turned and licked Bob’s face.
Bob smiled. “I had a dog when I was young…
Pal…he was a mighty good one too.
So, if you don’t mind old fella,
That’s what I’ll call you.”
Pal may have been an old dog,
But he was smart and handsome in his way;
So they made a deal, Bob would give him a meal
And a bath, if he decided to stay.
Pal loved his bath, then rolled in the grass.
He slept on a blanket in the den.
In the night, he dragged it next to Bob’s bed.
He intended to be Bob’s best friend.
Pal was such a good dog, housebroken too;
Never made a mess or got in trouble.
He knew about newspapers, slippers and Frisbees;
And when Bob called, he ‘d come on the double.
Yes, Pal gave Bob’s life new purpose.
A special bond of friendship was cast.
And never again did Bob pray,
“Lord, let this day be my last.”
For twelve years, the very best of friends,
Together night and day;
And so it was, until one night,
Both quietly passed away.
The next morning, an old woman,
Tears welling in her sad and lonely eyes,
Brought flowers to her husband’s grave;
But there, to her surprise….
Stood an old dog beside the stone,
Thin an dirty, but he struck a handsome pose.
He whined as she approached, as if to say,
“I could use a friend, you know.”
He sat calmly as she took old flowers
And put fresh ones in their place.
He carefully sniffed the fresh ones,
Then turned and licked her face.
She smiled. “I had a dog when I was young...
a good one too. His name was Pal.”

On this dreary winter morning I sit on a bench in Central Park. Lost in my own
thoughts of the conversation I had with my ex-wife and her last remarks. I keep asking
myself is it my fault? What did I do wrong? The chilly wind fills my ears with it's endless
song. I shiver slightly and goose bumps crawl along the back of my neck. Her words have
left me an emotional wreck. I pull my leather jacket tighter around my shoulders. I feel it in
my bones this day will get colder.
I've seen several joggers getting in their morning run. That just shows people will
continue their lives never mind the rays of the sun. So many thoughts running through my
head. And I hold the morning newspaper I still haven't read. I contemplate over my life, it's
not always easy, and so-called-friends can be the enemy. Even your spouse living in your
house can betray you with infidelity. That is why my heart is aching like a cavity. Right now
I'm doing my best to hang on to my sanity, but I really want to shout profanity.
I notice an attractive couple hand-n-hand laughing and enjoying a morning stroll; and
for some reason I can't control, I feel a sense of peace glow within my soul. My insecurities
diminish from their dark hellhole. I begin to feel "whole," and suddenly this morning doesn't
seem so cold.
I get up from the bench shaking off the numbness that has set in. A very pretty woman
walks by with her dog and I grin. She notices and smiles back. Wow! A kinda smile that is
only meant for kodak! I watch her walk past me with her dog leading the way. Something
tells me "you better not let this one get away." As I'm listening to my inner voice, she
glances back over her shoulder, and I knew that she too was giving me a choice. Amazing
how just several minutes ago my entire world seemed so dark. I now knew everything was
going to be okay because of this bench in Central Park......
* 10th Place win in "Anything Goes" Contest
sponsored by A Rambling Poet

Have you ever written anything without sub combing to tears ?
My Family portrait in my mind , 2 older sisters , 2 brothers
My Mother caring about all five in different ways
Just with Mom & Dad there having the best of Holidays
My sisters laying out on the deck of river bank for 4th of July ~
Listening to " Honkey Chateau " and all by Elton John.
music a great memory ~Disco , Donna summer , Grease ~ Jaws !
Dad's records to Tony Bennett , Hank W Sr. , Count Basie & Louis Armstrong.
The music takes me home in a wagon filled with children and a dog "Lucky "
My Older brother , athletic , always fishing & hunting.
My younger , my Rock , Swimming and netting for fish,
feeding our Fat cat Perch off the rocks patiently awaits her food
the yelling , slamming of doors , tempers Flare , passion
Our Parents , passionate love yet passionate Hate .
After being a Family of Seven , Divorcing their fate ..
Why did that show " Dallas " bring out the Divorce in all ?
Scottish ~ Irish ~ French Iroquois ~ Cherokee
No matter what the mix ..Our curse Alcohol ~
the Screaming , Drinking , this memory I wish to shut the door on .
Going to A & W or making Cheerleading ,The Bears of course~
Excited in Chicago ! seeing Elton John in the Summer of 1976 ~
Cubs , museum of Wax , Museum of science & History , Pizza !
Expeditions of discovery ,little brother & I finding arrowheads on the Shore.
Our Grandparents Faithful Celebrations ! Chiffon cake , Apple strudel `
Our Cousins on Holidays , going for ice cream cones ,
scent of wet rain on oak leaves ~Before Halloween was bought in stores.
~ That is the Family I Love ,
that is the Family I choose to miss ~

Yesterday I was a baby on the farm
Precious being held in Mommy’s arms
Yesterday I said I was Daddy’s “kecaw”
And, smiling, I was my mother’s “doll”
Yesterday I was a little girl playing
Out in the grass where my dog was staying
We – he and I – would share the precious moments
The brown Collie-Spitz dog would follow where I went
Yesterday I played with my brother at night
In the clover with lightning bug’s flashing lights
Placing them in a jar with hole punched in lid
Watching them flash their mystery that was hid
Yesterday I watched as the men cut the hay
Piling stacks during the high heat of the day
The men would work hard but laugh with happiness
Sweating as they went about their busy-ness
Yesterday I picked big, juicy blackberries
While June bugs buzzed around my head all merry
O’er in the field far out of sight time I’d spend
As Goldenrod and Queen Ann’s Lace waved in the wind—
Yesterday farmer’s gathered to share work
While wives prepared steaming hot meals with no shirk
Tobacco cutting was hard labor to yield
Tobacco in barn meant money from the fields
Yesterday just before twilight fell to earth
Little sister and I walked through fields with mirth
We brought the cows to the barn as our habit
We laughed and sang as our dog chased the rabbits
O’er in western sky where dreams lie far away
The brilliance of gold and red were quietly sprayed
God’s had dipped His paintbrush into His vast supply
Displaying His beauty in love not denied
Yesterday’s chores were laborious and hard
Without fancy motors or pollutants to mar,
But with Betty and Billy pulling the implements
Somehow their nearness gave natural presence
Yesterday I became a young girl tall and skinny
Old enough to do chores and there were many;
Carried three buckets of water for the night
All day I starched and ironed clothes to look just right
Yesterday within my minds’ eye sees the past
It s’ amazing how bits and pieces seem to last
Good and painful surface then regress
Down life’s road whenever -- wherever; I’m blessed
Today’s tomorrow will become yesterday
Stacked days upon days filed deep and far away
Stored within recesses of God’s fine array—
There for retrieval in tomorrow’s someday
-Evelyn Pearl (Carpenter) Anderson
Note: “kecaw” was cushaw.

I miss you already, Buddy.
You’ve been the apple of my eye.
When I think of life without you,
It makes me cry. It makes me cry.
Oh, so many moments we've shared together,
From romping mischief and tummy rubs to those pesky fleas;
And nothing’s better than my puppy’s kiss;
You always try your very best to please.
You always curl up with me on the bed.
You always meet me at the door.
You run and jump and bark with such excitement.
Yes, Buddy, I know you couldn’t love me more.
And when all others fail me, Buddy,
My best friend is always there.
Through my very worst of times,
Your eyes and your attention said, “I care”.
Five to seven years for every one of mine
Is so little time... it’s hardly fair.
It must be God’s way of saying,
“Love them now… and well.
There’s precious little time to spare”.
But, if I should go before you, Buddy,
Love your new master without reserve;
And they will love you as you love them.
It’s what a great pup like you deserves.
I miss you already, Buddy.
You’ve been the apple of my eye.

What is it about dogs that make us love them so
I suspect a life without them is not the full show
Dogs are there for us, whenever we need
Without judgment, or intent to mislead
Their lives seem so simple, no stress, or strident demands
Eating, sleeping, playing, waiting simply to obey our commands
Even when times seem most intense
Just watching a dog sleep can help make some sense
Of things that are important, and those that are not
When dogs are up and alerted, that’s when one should possibly be fraught
What do you think gives them their sometimes fitful dreams?
I’ve often wondered, what is a dog extreme?
Maybe they worry for us, and that’s what frightens them so
Or it may just be a chase that was prematurely let go
Their lives can provide perspective on what really matters
Unconditional friendship and love that doesn’t leave one in tatters
If you’re looking for solace, some piece of mind
Look no further than a dog, a companion so inclined
Max, Woody, Huck, Bodie, Boomer and Jake
All wonderful companions through life and some heartache
I wouldn’t change a thing, grateful they were part of our being
Their memory sustains us when we’re having trouble seeing
So I suggest, a life without dogs is less than it should be
Maybe think about a faithful companion, and see what it could be

My life as a dog would indeed be fine
Knowing I could nap anywhere, anytime.
On the porch or in a chair,
I could dream without a care.
With my legs, I'd set a pace
And find a cat or car to chase.
If that prusuit for me did fail,
I'd turn around and chase my tail.
With my nose, I'd take in smells
And see what things I could tell.
Like who is cooking, what and where,
Or who passed by, here and there.
With my ears, I could listen good
To the sounds of my neighborhood.
When the sun went down and all was dark,
I'd take heed of the twilight bark.
With my voice, I would make known
Visitors who approached my home.
My bark would make all foes flee,
Yet to friends it'd be welcoming.
With my eyes, I could implore or beg,
For a scrap of food or a pat on the head.
The neatest thing is - is that I could see
In the dark of night, what there might be.
With my tail, I could express
The degree of my happiness.
And when I'd head out on the go,
My tail would wag, to and fro.
For all the ways that I can find
To put myself in a canine's mind,
It's quite plain to see,
My life as a dog would be grand indeed.

The air is crisp, cold weather
that you can sink your teeth into.
It's midwinter with a brief break
between rainy weather fronts.
My fat limping dog and I have
got to get out of the house and
find some wildness.
He lets me know of his happiness
and I ignore his comment about hypocrites
as I put his leash on and
he drags me down the trail.
"How will we ever find wildness
under these conditions?"
he barks at me.
"Maybe this time boss?
Maybe this time you will let go?"
We walk down the trail by
the storm swollen stream and
hear the same question posed in the air.
The storm stream tries hard to break free
and wreck havoc, but,
the well engineered cement banks
give it nothing to grab hold of and it
careens on past to the sea, harmlessly.
The river's only hope to spread wildness
is another storm to raise its banks.
The grass above the banks is all of a kind,
easily mowed, and no threat to the asphalt
path we walk.
There is some hope of wildness
in the windblown debris
left over from the storm.
Perhaps seeds of a hardier folk
will move in among the grasses and
the perfect line of trees
that border the trail.
Such strangers will have to hide
and take cover before the caretakers
of the trail arrive tomorrow.
They will efficiently find all wildness
from the storm and make sure that
it is all discarded and hauled to the dump.
Perhaps I am looking for nature
in all the wrong places.
Here it has been collared and leashed
and rendered docile.
Still it fights back.
My hopeful dog directs my attention to the stream
and points to an otter that sinks when I look.
"Maybe this time, boss?" he implores.
Overhead, three noisy geese, free as you please,
as insolent as if they were twenty,
announce their imminent landing
at the county water control pond.
Not all of us are on a leash yet.

Suburban Spring
(4.15.10)
Springtime fills the air,
like laughing gas.
(Or maybe more like whiskey.)
The suburbs are drunk on the nectar of it's dawn.
Middle-class houses
are starting to dance.
(Or maybe they're just wobbling.)
They vomit whole families onto their lawn.
I watch them the same way dogs watch TV:
Confused and intrigued,
with a slight urge to pee.
The father cuts grass,
like a sleepwalker.
(Or maybe more like a zombie -
Ravenous for cheap beer, instead of brains.)
A six pack later,
he starts washing his car.
(Or watering his driveway.)
He's spreading on wax so he's set when it rains.
The mother kneels in dirt,
tending the garden.
(More like digging in a sandbox.)
Her spade is rusty. (Figuratively, at least.)
A sunset later,
she cooks family dinner.
(Or maybe orders some pizza.)
(If every mouth is fed, she can call it a feast.)
I watch them the same way dogs watch TV.
The son plays war games,
dying for fun.
(Or maybe more for practice.)
He whines about fruit drinks, as well as the heat.
A full pitcher later,
tweaking on sugar,
(Or maybe just corn starch.)
the war escalates, 'til its time to go eat.
The daughter makes a picnic,
inviting her toys.
(Or maybe not.)
(Her plastic spread can only spread so thin!)
After the tea time,
she's off picking flowers.
(Or maybe weeds.)
(As long as they're pretty, there's a vase that they'll fit in.)
They gather, as a family, at the table to say grace.
They hold each others' hands and say, "Amen."
(And proceed to stuff their face.)
The dog sits by the boy -
Loyal and true.
(Or maybe just hungry.)
He drools as he stares from the corners of his eyes.
After dinner,
he offers to help with the dishes.
(Or maybe he demands it.)
The boy sneaks him a bite. The dog is not surprised.
Bedtime comes soon after.
The kids are sent to brush their teeth.
(Or maybe just to run the sink.)
They put on their jammies, and to bed, they go.
After tucking them in,
the parents watch TV.
(Or maybe they just dream they do,
sleeping in its glow.)
The dog is changing channels,
looking for a better show.
Confused and intrigued,
he pees on the carpet below.

Oh, I sit upon my porch, just to get a bit of breeze,
On the north side of my house, under over-hanging trees.
I feel so contented here, with my good dog at my feet.
At my age it takes so little, to make a life complete.
Dear ones have gone before, and will meet me at the shore
When I leave this earthly home and don't need it any more.
For now my work is over, I can rest this sumer day
And feel pity for my neighbor in the meadow making hay.
The breeze is growing cooler, and the dog is getting bored.
I'll soon be in my bedoom just a chatting with the Lord.
I was a busy fellow and I worked hard all my life
I rased some boys and girls and I had a darling wife.
I saved a little money and I sometimes go to see
My children who have settled in the west aways from me.
I am always glad to get back to my little valley home.
The older that I get the less inclined I am to roam.
So I sit upon my porch, just to get a bit of breeze,
On the north side of my house, under over-hanging trees.
I reckon there's no other fellow more content than I
In my small home in the valley, where I'll stay until I die.
By: Joyce Johnson 2007

Try me, fool, and the semi gon' bang
I'm a big dog, I gotta' let my nuts hang
If I go to jail, best believe I'm bonding out
I always handle beef, that's what I'm all about
I'm not a punk, somebody lied--
I'm bustin' shots, let's get that fixed
Sleep on me, see me in ya' worst nightmares
I'm Hell-raiser, dead fresh in some Nike-Airs
Or in a monkey suit, totin' something with a banana clip
Leave you wet, like dry lips after applying Chap-stick
Ain't talking 'bout a blunt, but I rolled-up
I'm gon' wet these fools, hope they don't mold-up
When it go down, I go ape-shit, bananas
put coward to sleep, without the pajamas
Keep bustin' shots, like pimples on a maturing teen
I do my dirt, but leave the crime scene clean
Stay fresh, but they always call me grimy
They say I'm too gangsta', so they won't sign me
I put in work, man, I'm clockin' in overtime
Haters faces looking sour, like they suckin' on lime
You got beef, well guess what, that's all I eat
I stand my ground, you just sit in your seat
Can't let fools run me over, I'm not a roadkill
Leave you in the streets leakin', looking like an oil spill
You got a problem, I know how'tta' get that solved
Apply pressure, let's not get ya' family involved

Try me, fool, and the semi gon' bang
I'm a big dog, I gotta' let my nuts hang
If I go to jail, best believe I'm bonding out
I always handle beef, that's what I'm all about
I'm not a punk, somebody lied--
I'm bustin' shots, let's get that fixed
I keep it 100, like whole-numbers, no fraction
You're a toy, all looks but no action
So much beef, I can open up a diner
Catch me underground, call me a miner
I keep it real, you haters is processed
To the streets I'm a god, bow down, get blessed
I got rank, like a zebra, I got stripes
Diggin' in ya' chest, you know pressure bust pipes
Got heat, I'm like an Arab with no turban
Shots burn your chest, like drinking Burbon
I cock my tool as they approach, get ready
Make sure you're on point, and hold it steady
When they get near, that trigger get a pull
Give straight head shots, it's an unspoken rule
Shots rang out, like the bells of Notre-Dame
I was long gone, before the law even came

< tell me now Who ! Who ! ~ Let The Dogs Out ?
bet Carolyn pulling them by snouts ......
fleas ... ticks.... she started to itch /////
screaming sons of a ....... b .i...t...c....h
poor neighbor's dog now takes different route
Entry For
Andrea Dietrich's
The DogGone Dog Contest
G.L. All

There was a day, oh so clear… I took my newly trained dog for a walk.
Just as I left the house… a rabbit came by, and yes, we were off.
My dog took off quite fast… as he ran the rabbit under a car.
Yep, you guessed… I just can’t win… but I’m still alive, so far…
Then a squirrel crossed the street… for in a tree, to hide.
Clearly we had to follow… as cars swerved to miss us in their ride
I was very grateful that day… to find every thing still intact.
Yep, you guessed… I just can’t win…as a friend, helped us from a limb, well cracked.
Next the mailman rounded the bend… in his small-motorized truck
I sure am glad he got away… but again, me… not so much.
I can attest to my dog’s health… As we ran a mile in record time…
Yep, you guessed… I just can’t win… as a fire truck came roaring by.
Now don’t you worry so very much… we survived, yet, again?
And as all settled down, I was so glad… till the rain came rumbling in.
Since lightening and thunder scare him so… we made it home, in record time.
Yep, you guessed… I just can’t win… as from under the door I climbed.
The dinner table had been set… as I hurried from the door.
Dinner will be late; I have to explain… as I now cleared it from the floor.
A walk always develops an appetite… I mused, as I began to explain doggy house laws.
Yep, you guessed it… I just can’t win… as the turkey lay between his paws.
The trainer assured me my dog’s well trained… though with a small attention span
Training’s gone well, he said, again… though he looked like a crazed stuntman.
Yep, you guessed it… He couldn’t win…as he gave me, my money back
A little chagrinned… he sent me on my way, with several tons of luck.
There’ll probably be another moment or two… with my beloved Great Dane.
But that’s to be expected… from a 100 lb puppy that’s almost potty trained
Yep, you guessed… I just can’t win... But Don’t Worry, we’re doing well…
OOOPS, the doorbell rang… here we go again, for another time…
But know, eventually he will grow up… and by then we’ll be just fine…

Angel of mine
I had written a poem called “Deaths Door”
My sleeping problem my wife did endure
From when I lost my spouse
It’s only the dog and I at the house
Before I go to bed I shut the light
Something happened to me one night
I felt a hand on my back waking me
Nobody but the dog here with and me
It could have been a night I lost my breath
An angel may have kept me from death
That angel must be my wife
Still watching over my life
She watched over me when she was alive
She must still be helping me to survive

Always and forever
Beyond what I could ask or think
Compassion that was selfless
Dared to live life on the brink
Every time I'd call out
Friend, you came running to me
Grateful to be needed
Heaven's gift you served humbly
I never could have imagined
Just in the nick of time
Kindness would take over
Love was on your mind
Mary's condition was terminal
Needs complex, we were in despair
Overwhelmed we're desperate for you
Poof! You appeared out of thin air
Question me if you really must, but
Resist the urge to doubt
Serendipity had shined on us
Treasure that was furry and shout
Understand the legend is true
Valid in its scope and scale
Wag is real and came to assist
Xerox of hope with a dancing tail
Years from now he'll be caring still
Zenith of peace and my Mary's thrill
*Inspired by Shadow's poem on Wag
Contest: Shadow's "Abecedarian Poem"
Date: 8-31-14

No 8 second ride for these cowboys tonight
As they start in the morning, losing daylight
Their hats are now ties, tethering true
Not breathing in clean air as faces turn blue
Their motive, the green, but not of a pasture
Not men of free will, but now slaves to a master
When the bell rings, it’s chaos, not for a meal
It’s a dog eat dog city, with true faces concealed
They’re just…
Cardboard cowboys in a concrete canyon
Riding steel horses, reigning in their abandon
Letting loose bridles, for no horses they ride
Spending their days, cooped up, deep inside
It’s a sad way
And a sad day
For New York cowboys
Their fishing hole yonder’s now polluted with clutter
As their southern boy drawl’s replaced with a stutter
No chaps and no stirrups, no boots and no jeans
Their lives are now over, at the end of their means
The bull that they ride are the very stories they tell
From wall to wall bouncing, not sitting a spell
They are always in a hurry, no time for the rose
Not much of a cowboy or anything, I s’pose
They’re just…
Cardboard cowboys in a concrete canyon
Riding steel horses, reigning in their abandon
Letting loose bridles, for no horses they ride
Spending their days, cooped up, deep inside
It’s a sad way
And a sad day
For New York cowboys

When you decide to let God drive.
You'll be riding in style in a tight whip,
Down the Avenue of your life that's true.
The world will dog you and try to scratch
Your ride with the key of the enemy.
It may appear that your ride looks rough,
But your stuff is past the venues of luxury,
You will not be popular. He will always be
Wanting to be stopping you. You got
The good stuff riding on nice tire spokes
That the world's doggness look at you
While you are dead broke. They got money
And still want your honey and class and
Want to have what you have, stay
Where you stay, play how you play,
and will dog you the same way, every
Day because he is down in the dumps
With the chumps and want your lovely
Lumps rolling down the streets particularly
The Avenue of Living the Life That's True
Laid back with the Word of God as your
Money and your life is fine. They can't
Intertwine because they have not
Tapped into the life divine. It's a doggy
Dog world. They will try to mess up
Your ride but that is why Jesus died
So they can't mess with you. The world
Did not like him either so don't expect
Them to like you. Live the life that's
True sooner or later someone from
The world will want to join you.
If the world hates you keep in mind, that it hated me first. John 15:18
All men will hate you because of me,but he who stands firm to the end will be
saved. Matthew 10:22
1-10-11

The air blows nicely through my Louisiana porch
I could sit for hours and never check the time
It’s perfect to watch the sun shine
The cows are in the pasture, my dog is just a foot behind
Rocking in this old chair takes me to a simple state of mind
I don’t mind having company but don’t miss it if it ain't there
You can challenge me to a game of poker if you dare
Some call me a drunk
Some call me mean
But I say I'm somewhere in between
My old bird dog is the only love I have ever known
And there is no one sweeter than she
I call her Miss Gracie lea
My Louisiana porch is home to me
I would not trade my simple life for fame or money
For my view of the country is sweeter then honey

Hey Yo plaq is whack
Tell it to get back fast
Infact kick it out
With the arm and hammer
Then finish with floss
For the glits and glamour
Now you are the boss
Of your own teeth and gums
But Ill share my loss
So you'll never lose one
One day my tooth ached so bad I could weep
I recieved my first and last cavity
Oh how my mom and dad were mad at me
Because I didn't do what they asked of me
Now my sis and the whole class laughs at me
Cause all can I eat is easy mac n cheese
and no more sweets like sour patch kids for me
So Listen to your parents, jack and steve
Because you do not want to act like me
And end up with a toothless tragedy

He always says..."She has the "soul of a jewel"!!"
I always say...."She rides like a stubborn old mule"!!!
So...he wants me to ride in his old pick up truck..???
Well, I'm glad to tell you....he has run out of luck!!
I'll tell you why....
Would I lie???
It was once painted blue...but now the color is rust
But you can't be too sure...'cause it's covered in dust!
The engine has to idle...'bout half an hour is good..
You can feel the vibration, around the whole freakin' neighborhood!
If I open the door,...it makes a loud squeak
I must hold my breath....Eewwwww!! What are those odors?? It reeks!!
My life is in jeopardy if I go for a ride!
The windshield is dirty, we can't see from inside
It makes a weird noise...and rides bumpy and rough
The dashboard is peeling, and covered with "stuff"
The seat cushion's torn, it pokes at my rear
His dog sits beside us, and licks at my ear
There's no place below, to rest my feet
There's a hole in the floor....you can see the street!!!!
The windows don't close, so there's always a breeze
With old Kleenex flying...those were tossed when he sneezed...
Wrappers from Twinkies, a Burger King box...
One lonely old sneaker...and dirty old socks
If I had me some coffee...I'd really be set
'Cause those are dirty Styrofoam cups....and even more than that!
Half a stale donut is squished on the floor
Darn!! The dog beat me to it...and is looking for more!
The muffler is loose, you can see the sparks fly
Dirty looks from the folks, who get smoke in their eyes
When we drive by the neighbors, I duck my head and I hide
I'm no Prima Donna....but I've still got some pride!!
He loves that old truck....he calls her a gem!
If he had to choose between us.......I could be out on a limb!!!
______________________________________________________________________
For Paula's contest "Soul of a ........ & Life of a ........."

The sun shines gently upon me.
The birds are busy at play.
The children are sleeping.
The cats are out creeping.
And the dog has been barking all day.
The birds cackle and chirp;
As they play a round of hide and seek.
The dog watches with excitement,
as the cat strolls by so frail and meek.
A good morning kiss from the sun to the world.
Its a brand new day.
wake up boys and girls.

I am sitting in my light brown leather reclining chair
after a strenuous day at my office glad to be home
no more stress no wife just my dog Bandit at my side
I'm holding in my right hand my favorite relaxing drink
a single malt scotch on cracked ice with a twist of lemon
as I was about to close my eyes just a little past seven
counting the blessings in my life from heaven
then out of the unexpected blue everything changed
never I mean never to be the same again
or maybe I was just going insane
out of the corner of my right eye
what I saw oh God what I saw was something that really
scared the hell out of me
as the hairs on the back of my neck stood straight up
and my flesh turned cold
a man dressed all in black and red
with a haunting evil look in his coal black eyes
I believed he was from the dead
stepped right through a solid wall made of brick an stone
and stood there looking around the room
then looked right through me as though I wasn't there
my dog bandit backed up in fright and hid behind the chair
making noises like I never heard him make before
as my goose bumbled flesh turned cold as ice
I sat paralyzed could not move from my light brown leather reclining chair
then he smiled a shark like pointed toothy grin
as he placed his gaze my way
and pointed a long gray boney finger right at me
the only sound that I could hear was the beating of my own heart
as though it was going to tare my chest apart
then he spoke in a low evil raspy voice and said
I'll be awaiting you on the other side
then he turned to leave the room
the way he entered by stepping right through a solid wall
made of brick an stone
now I sit here all alone wondering and shaking
what the hell just happend to me
is there something in my life that I must change
my life do I have to rearrange
I do not want to meet that messenger from hell on the other side
this is not a tale I tell
for you may think I'm crazy as hell
but I believe in what I saw
I was visited by a messenger from hell
if there is a lesson to be learned from my story
look into your life and change what will make it right
to travel into the light
to heaven not hell
when your time ends upon this earth

His hard eyes stared me down
The remnant of a smile
Now a distant memory
It’s funny how the eyes can relate hatred
Out of nothing came a blow
It made me see stars-for how long?
I can’t count but I’m a damn good smell sensor
What I did to deserve that smack, I may never know
I miss my friends from that place
I don’t know what they call it but I remember its smells
Urine, poop, fear, and death
Why did I have to go home with this guy?
It started as soon as I got to his digs
Couldn’t hold it
There were others here; I could smell them
But they are gone
I used to remember everything
Now it’s a blur
Head smacks all the time
I hate the stars
What a fool
He took me outside and unlatched the spike collar
Took off, full speed
Not looking back, gonna find another pack

Life can bring many difficult situations!
Often, there’s really no explanation!
No matter how smart or how wise,
Things can take us totally by surprise!
We can often find our life off course.
Many times, being driven by a “dark force.”
I know that it’s hard to know what to do.
Especially with what you
may be going through!
I can’t think of all the right words to say…
To help you make it through another day!
But there’s someone, I can ask you to turn to!
He loves and is most concerned about you!
His name is Jesus! The almighty God is he!
He’s committed to you now! And for eternity!
He’s the one that you can trust and lean on!
And is someone that you can
certainly depend on!
Won’t you give him an opportunity to help you?
He reaches out his hand! Because he loves you!
He is the source with an eternal heavenly treasure!
He can completely fill you!
Beyond measure!
The decision is yours! A choice to be made!
There’s nothing for Jesus what’s worth the “trade!”
He’s everything that any of us can ever think of!
And can do more for you! Than you ever dreamed of!
He’s the alpha and omega! The beginning and the end!
Won’t you allow him to be your
savior and friend???
By Jim Pemberton